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Eden project: Rambert dancers take on Haydn's Creation

21 November 2016

In partnership with The Space, BBC Arts presents Rambert’s new dance staging of Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, recorded at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London.

Rambert: The Creation

Haydn’s most famous and enduring masterpiece, reimagined through dance.

About the piece

In Rambert's dance staging of Joseph Haydn's most famous and enduring masterpiece, The Creation, artistic director Mark Baldwin choreographs a cast of over 50 dancers from Rambert and the Rambert School, joined on stage by 70 musicians for a performance on a truly grand scale. It marks the 90th anniversary of Britain's oldest dance company.

The Creation's lyrical arias and monumental choruses depict the creation of the world as described in the Book of Genesis, and show off one of the greatest classical composers at the peak of his powers. Rambert's production marries dance to the music, with designs by internationally celebrated artist Pablo Bronstein reflecting the wit and majesty of Haydn’s score.

The Creation was originally co-produced with Garsington Opera, with their orchestra and chorus led by artistic director Douglas Boyd. At this recording, commissioned by The Space, the Rambert Orchestra and BBC Singers were conducted by Paul Hoskins at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.

Introducing The Creation

Choreographer Mark Baldwin discusses the piece which marks Rambert's 90th anniversary.

Radio 3 in Concert

Credits

Music

  • Music: Franz Joseph Haydn
  • English text: Gottfried van Swieten, edited by Paul McCreesh
  • Soprano: Sarah Tyna
  • Tenor: James Gilchrist
  • Bass: Neal Davies
  • Chorus: BBC Singers
  • Orchestra: Rambert Orchestra
  • Conductor: Paul Hoskins

Dance

  • Choreographer: Mark Baldwin
  • Designer: Pablo Bronstein
  • Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson
  • Costumes Co-designer: Stevie Stewart

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